[The post-whiplash syndrome: don't treat, but unravel]

There are two phases in the postwhiplash syndrome. The first phase (following a sufficiently serious accident) is characterised by pain in the neck caused by soft tissue contusion. In this phase, an explanation and the advice to start moving the neck again gradually after a brief period of rest are sufficient. If this phase is followed by a transition to complaints that can no longer be explained by the physical consequences of the accident, we speak of a chronic postwhiplash syndrome. In such a case there are factors besides the trauma that either induce the complaints or cause them to persist. Unless these factors are eliminated (the biopsychosocial model), the chance of success of any form of treatment is slight. There are indications that therapies directed at aspects of behavioural psychology can make an important contribution to recovery.